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Shark Week recently excited you with images of finned creatures of the deep from far and near. Now, it’s time to sink your teeth into something even meatier.

Michael Sohocki’s Restaurant Gwendolyn, 152 E. Pecan St., is sponsoring is annual Charc Week, a time to celebrate charcuterie in all its glory. (Charcuterie, for those who don’t know, is defined by Wikipedia as “the branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit, primarily from pork.” In other words, all the good stuff you love to eat.)

During July 20-26, you can find different charcuterie plates at a host of restaurants and bars around town, and eat chef brings a little something different to the table.

That’s why it’s fun to sample and compare plates from places such as Biga on the Banks, Boiler House Texas Grill, Cookhouse, Crossroads Kitchen at Faust, Cullum’s Attagirl, The Fig Tree, Granary ‘Cue and Brew, Kimura, The Last Word, Lüke, Mezcalaria Mixtli, NAO, Rosella Coffee, Tre Trattoria, TBA and more, in addition to Restaurant Gwendolyn. Little Gretel in Boerne and several restaurants in Austin are also getting in on the action.

There are rules the eateries have to follow, most important of which is that the charcuterie must be made in-house.

As the poster for the week says, “What comes from our hands tells the story of us.”

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That happened in the Tobin Hill neighborbood, where chef Pieter Sypesteyn was feeding customers at the Cookhouse, 720 E. Mistletoe Ave.

Here’s how he described what happened next:

I wish I could explain how I feel about last night. We lost power in the middle of a busy Saturday night service, as did many others in town. When the power went out, I saw something amazing. Our guests, as well as our staff, were both briefly surprised, but then everyone showed their true colors.

Everyone in the house cheered and clapped their hands. One of my cooks hit the piano and started playing. Servers opened all the doors so the smoke from the blackened drum and charbroiled oysters could escape. All the cooks kept doing their thing, with almost no light. We lit candles, lots of candles, for the dining room, kitchen, dish room, restrooms, entry way, and of course at the piano. We even lit candles for the crew next door at Attagirl. My neighbor across the street rushed over with a camping lamp. Servers went to doing handwritten tickets, and went old school with their credit card transactions. Guests all kept their cool and actually seemed to enjoy themselves more, in the midst of the storm. The food kept going out, hot and with no delay, as guests used their phones’ light to check out their food, and many were heard saying “wow.” After my cook left the piano to help out in the kitchen again, other talented guests jumped on the piano to keep the good times rollin’.

We are so blessed to have such an amazing and talented staff, who kept their cool, and didn’t stop for a second. They saw a need, and jumped into overdrive. Our servers checked on all their guests, making sure everyone was ok, made sure their food was still coming out, and that new orders were still coming in. My kitchen crew killed it, and put out just as beautiful dishes as on any other night. Everyone had a great time and kept it pro all the way through.

And our guests…We have such an awesome clientele, they all hung out and enjoyed the ride. Nobody complained, just dug in and kept it 100. We even sat two tables almost an hour after the power went out, and it was as if nothing was out of the ordinary. This was really the true essence of a New Orleans restaurant…We let the good times roll, even through the storm. So thank you to everyone who was a part of last night’s experience. We are so blessed to be surrounded by some of the best people that the city has to offer. Thanks for all the love, San Anto… LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER.

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Don’t fall for all this Valentine nonsense? Or perhaps you just want a memorable dinner, no matter the reason. Either way, you might be interested in the Anti-Valentine’s Day Dinner, which is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Amaya’s Tacos & Bakery, 1502 E. Commerce St. The culinary group Los Cocineros is presenting the meal.

Don’t settle for a heart from the same mold as everyone else’s.

As the organizers have said, “Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers … come on! It is the perfect time to scoff at those in love. They get all gushy, waste tons of money on chocolates and flowers, flood restaurants like a herd of cattle … sometimes they actually look quite ridiculous when February 14th rolls around. Shouldn’t love be celebrated every day, after all? It makes companies who profit and prey on these ‘love zombies’ shudder to think about them waking up and seeing what is truly going on.”

So, enjoy a meal that begins with a Pear Tart with mushrooms and blue cheese, followed by a beet terrine. Chicken liver mousse will be served before trout with almonds and brown butter. Beef heart will be served with a soubise sauce, grapes, frisée and carrot. There will be two desserts: Red Velvet Panna Cotta and Chocolate Upside-Down with plum and almond.

Tickets are almost gone, but a few are left for $70 apiece. Click here to get tickets.

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Looking for a fun snack to make with your kids for the Fourth of July that also proudly displays the red, white and blue?

It helps to have plenty of berries on hand as blueberries are really one of the few blue foods available. Blue corn chips are another. (Your kids are probably not too fond of blue cheese, and blue potatoes just don’t say snack food.)

1. Start the day off with color.

Yogurt completes this red, white and blueberry dish.

Add color to their breakfast by spooning plenty of red and blue berries over Greek yogurt. This lets you add flavor without adding any sugar to the mix. Commercial yogurts with fruit can have as much as five teaspoons of sugar added to it. Or, for a dessert, you could also just drizzle a few tablespoons of heavy cream over your red and blueberries.

2. Salute the flag in fruit form.

These kebabs go together quickly and use blueberries, strawberries or cubes of watermelon, and slices of banana. You can get the kids, if they’re old enough, to take part in skewering the fruit and then placing the kebabs in order.

3. Give your cupcakes a sprinkle of red, white and blue.

Let you kids decorate their own cupcakes with red, white and blue candies, sprinkles or dyed coconut.

Or, you can take this idea from Kraft: Use Cool Whip for frosting and fresh strawberry slices and blueberries for a great snack. (Photo courtesy Kraft.)

4. Who can resist patriotic chips and salsa?

Blue corn chips would make a great treat with red salsa and a sour cream dip or ranch dressing on the side.

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Meat Week is celebrating is 10th anniversary this year with a lot of protein, a pint or two of beer and more than a little fun.

Barbecue from The Granary.

The local events include a “meat-the-chef” session with Tim Rattray of the Granary ‘Cue and Brew, a tailgate party at Branchline Brewing Co. with Conger’s Smoke Shack and a Super Bowl party at Taps y Tapas.

The meaty lineup is as follows:

Noon – 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Point Park and Eats, 24188 Boerne Stage Road — Meat Week founders Chris Cantey and Erni Walker will be on hand to kick off the week with a party that includes the following trucks: Pork U, Fat Bellies Cajun Truck, Institute of Chili, Dixieland BBQ, Slider Provider and Crazy Carl’s. Branchline Brewing Co. will be the featured beer.

6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan.. 27, at Big Bob’s Burgers, 100 N. Santa Rosa St. — The party with Alamo Beer as the featured beer will be at the new downtown location, but the burger special will also be available at the original, 447 W. Hildebrand Ave.

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Tucker’s Kozy Korner, 1338 E. Houston St. — Chris Cullum of Attaboy Burgers will be serving the meat while the Midtown Jazz Band plays from 7 to 10 p.m.

6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at The Granary ‘Cue and Brew, 602 Avenue A — Rattray will be there, plus Melissa Guerra will offer a “meat-ducation.” Tickets are $40 and reservations are required. Email thegranarysa@gmail.com.

Comfort food is taking on new meaning at la Madeleine Country French Café. Sales of the brand’s signature Tomato Basil Soupe is bringing hope to suffering children through a partnership with Children’s Hunger Fund.

Now through the end of January, la Madeleine will donate $1 from the sale of every jar of its Tomato Basil Soupe to the organization, which to date has provided food and other aid to more than 20 million children in America and around the world. La Madeleine cafés sell the soupe as a retail item in 15.5 and 31-ounce jars. The philanthropic partnership gives la Madeleine’s loyal guests a chance to bring a favorite menu item home and make a meaningful difference for kids who need it most.

“The sense of family is all around la Madeleine. It can be seen in the caring relationship we have with our guests, how we treat each other as colleagues and the way we care about the world around us,” said John Cahill, chief operating officer for la Madeleine Country French Café, which has several San Antonio locations. “Helping Children’s Hunger Fund financially to support its programs holds a special place in our hearts. Nothing is more precious than happy, healthy children.”

“We are blessed to have the support of la Madeleine,” said Michael Richards, Executive Director of the South for Children’s Hunger Fund. “The spirit of caring is clearly part of the DNA of la Madeleine. Their partnership means we can better meet the needs of less fortunate kids.”

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Christmas dining options are somewhat limited, as some restaurateurs are closing in order to spend a little time with their family. But the options that do exist cover a wide range of culinary styles and prices, from elaborate buffets to your favorite Tex-Mex options. A few bars are also offer some specials. Reservations are needed, except where indicated. Prices do not include tax and tip.

The Brooklynite, 516 Brooklyn Ave., (210) 444-0707 — The Brooklynite is having a Hawaiian Christmas’ Party from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Christmas Eve. Get ready for all things Tiki with the bartenders wearing their finest Hawaiian print shirts and serving tropical drinks. Guests who also join in the fun and wear Hawaiian themed attire will receive $2 off all Tiki drinks the entire night. Reservations for the bar only.

Crumpets, 3920 Harry Wurzbach, (210) 821-5454 — Christmas Eve dinner will be served from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Chef Francois Maeder will be serving appetizers such as Mousse Truffle Paté or Stuffed Artichoke with Goat Cheese and Almonds and savory entrées including Fresh Rainbow Trout or Tenderloin of Beef Savoy. Each meal includes an appetizer, house salad or a cup of soup, and dessert. Another featured menu item is the Trilogy of Lobster Tail with Lemon Butter, Rack of Lamb Provencal and Tenderloin of Beef with Rossini Sauce, which includes an appetizer, cup of soup, house salad and dessert.

Denny’s, various locations — Denny’s is open 24/7, including Christmas Day, so you can get breakfast, lunch or dinner there. Christmas is the restaurant’s busiest day of the year. No reservations.

Las Canarias at Omni La Mansión del Rio, 112 College St., (210) 518-1177 — The Christmas Day buffet is 10 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. The buffet menu includes classic breakfast options, chef-prepared salads, fresh seafood selections, a gourmet carving station and a wide variety of desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. The buffet also includes complimentary valet parking (first come, first served) and choice of champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys. The cost is $69.95 a person plus an 8.25 percent tax and a 21 percent tip; $34.95 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. Las Canarias’ regular à la carte dining, featuring themed specials, will resume at 6 p.m.

Las Ramblas at the Hotel Contessa, 306 W. Market St., (210) 298-8040 — On Christmas Eve, Las Ramblas will be serving the regular menu from 5:30 to 10 p.m. On Christmas Day, Las Ramblas will be serving brunch beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the last seating at 3:45 p.m. A variety of stations and Spanish specialties, including Moroccan maple-glazed spit roasted ham, applewood smoked prime rib and honey glazed roasted turkey; a smoked seafood display with prawns, marinated mussels, and ceviches and a savory kitchen table of artisan cheeses, cured meats and organic greens, will be offered. Roasted chestnut soup, salmon fillet and Paella Valencia will also be served, in addition to the traditional favorite waffle and omelet stations, and an assortment of house-made pastries and desserts. A specialty children’s buffet will also be offered that includes mac ‘n cheese, mini corn dogs, chicken tenders and pizza. Price is $49 for adults, $16 for children ages 7-16, and free for children 6 and under. Mimosas and signature sangrias are $9 each.

Luke, 125 E. Houston St., (210) 227-5853 — The restaurant is open Christmas Day with a multi-course meal that includes Gulf Shrimp Remoulade Maison and Roasted Prime Aged Beef Rib. Price is $55 for adults, $22 for children. Call for times and reservations.

Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery, 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262 — The restaurant is open 24/7 including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Plus, the place is always decorated for the Christmas season. No reservations.

Nao, 312 Pearl Parkway, (210) 554-6484 — Nao’s Christmas Eve dinner service will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will inclue a special three-course menu at $50 per person. The special menu will feature family style starters including Charred Shishito Peppers and Chilled Mahi Mahi Ceviche; followed by a main course including Grill-Roasted Dry Aged Prime Rib; and ends on a sweet note with Warm Pineapple Empanadas and Ice Cream. Normal a la carte dinner service will also be available for the evening.

Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa, 212 W. Crockett St., (210) 396-5817 — The restaurant will have its regular à la carte menu available all day. Featured themed specials are available during dinner service beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 600 E. Market St., (210) 227-8847 — Christmas Eve hours are until 10 p.m. Christmas Day hours are 6 o 10 p.m. Live music from the River City Stompers on the patio from 4 to 7 p.m. both days.

Sustenio at the Éilan Hotel Resort & Spa, 17103 La Cantera Parkway, (210) 598-2950 — The Christmas Eve dinner will be from 5 to 10 p.m. with a prix-fixe menu. The price is $42 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under. On Christmas Day, the brunch will feature a prix-fixe holiday menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The price is $35 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. Christmas Day Dinner will be from 5 to 9 p.m. wih a special prix-fixe menu. The price is $42 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under.

TBA, 2801 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 320-1753 — The bar is closed on Christmas Eve, but it will be open at 8 p.m. Christmas Day. No reservations.

Tre Trattoria Downtown, 401 South Alamo, (210) 223-0401 — Christmas Eve service is from 5 to 10 p.m. There will be a four-course Christmas Eve prix fixe menu featuring items such as Grilled Ruby Red Trout with Brussels Sprout Hash and a Calabrese Crema. Price is $40 per person plus tax and tip or $55 with wine pairings.

Tre Trattoria in Alamo Heights, 4003 Broadway, (210) 805-0333 — Christmas Eve service is from 5 – 10 p.m. There will be a four-course menu featuring dishes such as pumpkin ale-braised lamb shank with pardina lentils, cornichons and tarragon gremolata. Price is $34.50 a person plus tax and tip or $50 with wine pairings.

Restaurateurs, if you do not see your place listed here, email the information to griffin@savorsa.com.

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Because the Texas Hill Country Wine Month Trail and Breast Cancer Awareness month both fall in October, Texas Hill Country Wineries membership decided this was a perfect fit to participate in the cause by donating $5 from each Texas Wine Month Trail ticket sold to Susan G. Komen.

With this disease hitting close to home for many in the wine industry, it was an easy decision.

“As a member winery of THCW, we are so proud of our second annual presentation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the amount of $3,700. Being a daughter of a breast cancer survivor, it is meaningful more so to me that our partnership of love – wine and mothers – are joined together to provide research and support monies,” said Sabrina Houser, Dry Comal Creek Vineyards.

Ticket sales for the month-long trail have increased the past few years nearing 800. This made it possible for the donation.

On November 18, two representatives from Susan G. Komen were presented a check for the total amount from a large portion of the Texas Hill Country Wineries membership.

Kara Hall, events director for Susan G. Komen San Antonio, said “Your support is making an incredible impact for women and men in our community who are in desperate need of breast health services, and we are grateful! We look forward to partnering with Texas Hill Country Wineries next year as we work together to save lives and end breast cancer.”

Texas Hill Country Wineries and Susan G. Komen formed a bond last year at the check presentation and both groups plan to continue to build on the relationship and work together in supporting those affected by breast cancer and finding a cure.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the work of the Susan G. Komen foundation again this year. This foundation makes an important difference in the Texas Hill Country and around the world by funding breast cancer research and community outreach programs” said Carol Millberger, Kerrville Hills Winery.

Thanksgiving is Nov. 28, and plenty of restaurants are gearing up for the holiday with elaborate spreads that include the traditional turkey with all the trimming as well as extra specials, such as seafood creatins and special desserts. Reservations are recommended for all places mentioned. Prices do not include tax and tip, unless otherwise noted.

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be yours at many area restaurants.

Brick House Tavern, 1011 N. Loop 1604 E., (210) 402-3107 — The bar and restaurant will open for happy hour and dinner service on Thanksgiving. Watch the game from a recliner with a built-in TV tray. Happy hour specials, including $2 domestic drafts, $1 cans of beer, $3 import drafts and $4 house wine and specialty draft imports, are available until 6 p.m.

Crumpets, 3920 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 821-5600 — Crumpets’ Thanksgiving Day hours are from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The special menu will include Roasted Turkey and Baked Ham with the trimmings ($29.50), Tenderloin of Beef ($36.50), Veal Scaloppini ($34.50) and Fresh Rainbow Trout ($29.50). Entrees come with appetizer, bread, salad and dessert. Children under 10 can get a turkey and ham plate with all the trimmings plus choice of salad or dessert ($12). Special orders are also being taken for whole roasted or smoked turkeys, boneless glazed or spiral-cut bone-in hams, side dishes, pies and more.

Las Canarias at Omni La Mansión del Rio, 112 College St., (210) 518-1177 — The Thanksgiving Day buffet will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The menu includes classic breakfast options, chef-prepared salads, fresh seafood selections, a gourmet carving station and dessert table. The buffet also includes complimentary valet parking (first-come, first-served) and choice of champagne, mimosas and/or Bloody Mary’s; all other alcoholic beverages are non-inclusive. The cost is $69.95 per person plus tax and a 21-percent tip; children ages 6-12, $34.95 ++; and children 5 and younger, free. Las Canarias’ regular à la carte dining, with featured themed specials, will resume at 6 p.m.

Las Ramblas at the Hotel Quintessa, 306 W. Market St., (210) 298-8040 — Executive Chef Jordan Mackey has designed a Thanksgiving brunch buffet that combines traditional holiday favorites and Spanish specialties with a Mediterranean twist. It will be from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with four seatings. Specialty carving stations will include a Moroccan applewood-smoked prime rib and a maple-glazed pit-roasted ham; chili roasted turkey breasts and roulades, and a smoked seafood display with prawns, marinated mussels, and ceviches. Artisan cheeses, cured meats and freshly baked ciabatta and flatbreads, in addition to a variety of hand-blended salads. Las Ramblas’ signature Paella Valencia tops the menu along with regional influences including a black olive giblet gravy and a chorizo olive ciabatta stuffing. Fish, pasta, soup and seasonal vegetables will also be offered. Waffle and omelet stations will be featured as well as an assortment of house-made pastries and desserts. Price is $49 for adults, $16 for children ages 7 – 16 and free for children 6 and under. Mimosas and signature sangrias are $9 each.

Omni Colonnade, 9821 Colonnade Blvd., (210) 699-5803 — Thanksgiving Day Brunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. with seatings every 30 minutes. The menu features turkey served three ways. Choose from rotisserie, Cajun or smoked turkey. In addition to the traditional turkeys, the menu features herb crusted pork loin and a rosemary steamship of beef. The chef is also featuring a stuffing bar with cornbread stuffing sautéed with your choice of shrimp, chicken, chorizo, smoked oysters, prosciutto or a mix of dried fruit and nuts. The buffet includes breakfast entrees, omelet station, seasonal fresh fruit, fresh baked goods, soups and salads and a seafood display. Buffet prices are $45 for adults; seniors (65+) and active military, $41; children 5-11 years of age, $18; and children under 5 are free. Call to sponsor a Thanksgiving dinner for a wounded warrior or veteran.

Westin La Cantera, 16641 La Cantera Parkway, (210) 558-2439 — The Thanksgiving brunch in the San Antonio Grand Ballroom will feature seatings every half hour from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The menu includes traditional favorites and more. Prices are $49 for adults, $25 for children, and free for children 5 and under with a paying adult.

Restaurateurs, if you don’t see your place listed here, please email details to griffin@savorsa.com and it will be added.

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